Thursday, March 2

TEAM SPIRIT ALL FIRED UP FOR 2017 DICKIES BRITISH SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP!

The Moto2 inspired GP-Sport R machine from Spirit Motorcycles will be making its competitive debut in 2017. With support from Quattro Plant, and ridden by Alastair Seeley and Dean Ellison, the machine will enter the Dickies British Supersport Championship. Although not eligible for points, the Spirit Motorcycles team hopes it will showcase the opportunities of a future Moto2 derived prototype series.

Launched to massive media interest, Spirit Motorcycles is a bespoke British motorcycle manufacturer utilising the highest quality components designed and built in the UK and coupled with unique design cues. With a 675cc triple cylinder engine, the GP-Sport R features a Grand Prix inspired fully adjustable chassis, from headstock to swingarm. Weighing in at just 140kg (dry) it features state-of-the-art electronics and a host of exotic parts.

With Quattro Plant joining Spirit Motorcycles as Title Sponsor for their racing activities, the machine will be ridden by former Superstock and Supersport Champion Alastair Seeley and ex-World Superbike rider Dean Ellison in the Dickies British Supersport Championship. Although it is entered as a promoter’s invitation entry and will not be eligible for points, the team is confident it will be able to battle with the established manufacturers and hopes it will provide a perfect platform to showcase the future of the middleweight British Championship class.

Tony Scott, MD at Spirit Motorcycles said, “It would be fair to say that the past three years of development has lead us to this moment and it is a relief to be here. Our ambition has always been to produce a prototype series which would help young talent learn the craft of setting up a prototype chassis such as this, it is an excellent way for them to gain the skills needed to filter into the GP paddock with confidence and we look forward to showing the BSB visitors just what we have built!"

MCE British Superbike Championship Series DirectorStuart Higgs commented “There is debate over the future of the middleweight British Championship class, as certain manufacturers have announced that 600cc Supersport machinery will cease to be produced in coming years. We have an obligation to maintain a promotable and accessible class which provides a logical stepping stone in terms of performance. The Spirit project allows us to evaluate in a live and relevant competitive environment a possible future direction. We will be watching with interest."

Alastair Seeley said “I’m really happy to be back in the Supersport class on-board what is an exciting new project and venture. To be involved with what could be the future of middleweight racing is something I can’t wait to get stuck into. It’s nice to get the call up for my development skills but also I’m keen to work with an enthusiastic bunch of guys, from my team mate to mechanics, the manager and partners. I’m looking forward to the testing schedule and also the BSB test to see where we are at. Then it’s onto round one at Donington to let the cat amongst the pigeons!”

Dean Ellison added “I tested the Spirit GP Sport a few times last year and set some respectable times at Thruxton when out with the Supersport class. However Tony has since been working with K-Tech suspension on some new components and geometry settings, which should give me what we need for further progression. We’ve also added the Harris Moto 2 swing arm and that should give us more grip. I’m looking forward to riding the bike again and to getting a second opinion from Alistair Seeley, who is one of the fastest and most aggressive Supersport riders I’ve ever seen.”